Buyer Verification and Inspections- An Buyer Verification Inspection is requested by many firms who want an independent review of an existing or potential customer for their goods or services. Many firms want to avoid investing resources into a potential vendor who might be high risk or unsuitable for their company. Goodada offers Buyer Verification and Inspection services in over 76 countries.
Many of our client's firms request Goodada’s Inspection teams to visit and inspect many different locations of the same client. As a worldwide third-party inspection firm, we are delighted to accommodate these requests.
Our inspectors can visit a buyer’s office, warehouse, or holding facility. Our inspectors will conduct a visual check of current stocks within their warehouses and observe any trade that occurred in the location during their visit.The inspector will also examine the buyer's trading history, payment processes, and importing capabilities.
Many firms have often lost time and money because they have been unable to conduct a risk assessment on a buyer. A buyer might ask even firms with cash upfront trading relationship with a buyer to offer them credit terms.
This request can place a company in an awkward position. By allowing a Goodada Inspection team to visit a buyer, you can demonstrate that you take the buyer's request seriously by sending in an inspection team to conduct a trade credit risk assessment.
You can then use the inspector's report to support any decision that your firm concludes in terms of offering credit to a buyer.
Many firm sales teams are often approached by international buyers seeking an exclusivity agreement that gives them sole rights to import and sell a company’s goods in a defined country, territory or region. Many firms often seek Goodada’s Buyer Verification Services to review and assess a buyer's capabilities to operate an exclusivity agreement for the client's products.
Goodada can inspect buyers for clients who supply many different goods, including soft-line and hard-line goods, scrap steel, fruit, vegetables, and grains. Our inspectors can assess any buyer based on what they are selling and storing in their warehouses and holding facilities.
Countries where Goodada offers Buyer Verification Inspections
Goodada can conduct Buyer Verification inspections services in over 76 countries. The continents covered include Europe, North America, South America, the Middle East, Africa, and Asia. We can send our inspectors to any premises or facility.
Contact Person: Aidan Conaty Mobile- Messenger (Click to Connect) Laptop / PC (Click to Connect)
Phone:(Europe/ Rest of the World) +353 1 885 3919 ; (UK) +44.020.3287.2990 ; (North America) +1.518.290.6604
Did you know that Goodada offers a broad range of Inspection services? Our teams of trained inspectors are trained to conduct the following inspections:
Clients request an inspector to be at a warehouse or holding facility to check goods that have just arrived. The inspector will review and verify that the quantities match the packing list. They will then conduct a visual inspection of the goods to check for defects or noticeable damage.
Our Inspectors can visit a factory or potential supplier to check if they are real and review their business.
A Supplier Verification and Audit service is conducted at the supplier’s factory or premises. Our Inspectors will review the seller's production capacity, quality management system, assess product quality, and identify workplace safety.
This inspection focuses on the raw materials and components to be used to make your goods. These are checks to make sure that only approved materials are used in the production of your products.
Our inspectors can visit the production line in a factory when a client’s goods are being made. Clients often request this inspection if they have had quality issues with previous orders or are experiencing communication issues with the supplier.
A Pre-Shipment inspection takes place after the goods have been made. The inspector will check a product for defects and quality standards.
The inspector witnesses the loading of the goods from the supplier's location.
Protect your goods when they are being transported with Goodadas online Cargo Insurance service.


Having a better understanding of the early learning needs in your community, can help to address the need for affordable, quality early childhood care and education for all children in Pennsylvania.
When families cannot access quality, affordable child care, they often struggle to find and retain sustainable employment or advance their careers. This is particularly true for working women. Annually, Pennsylvania’s advocates gather data which shows the unmet child care needs of families who are eligible for state-funded child care and Pre-K.
61%
of eligible children do not have access to high-quality Pre-K in Pennsylvania
And
80%
of children eligible for Child Care Works are unserved in Pennsylvania


Abstract
In recent years, CVD diamond-coated tungsten carbide (WC-Co) tools have been widely utilized due to their benefits in the machining of non-ferrous alloys and polymer composite materials, especially carbon-fiber-reinforced plastics (CFRPs). The reconditioning of such coated tools is economically attractive due to their high cost and short tool life. The decoating of the remaining diamond film from the used tools and the subsequent surface preparation by wet chemical pretreatment are essential steps for new CVD diamond film formation. Previously, it was shown that reactive ion beam etching (RIBE) could effectively remove CVD diamond films. However, some degree of WC-Co tool substrate damage is expected due to the high ion energy in RIBE and the chemical activity in wet etching. This study addresses the effects of RIBE decoating and surface pretreatment steps on WC-Co tools with a complex shape in terms of the ion-induced surface damage, geometry alteration, and adhesion of a subsequently re-applied CVD diamond film. Moreover, the cutting performance of the tools subjected to the RIBE decoating and repeated film deposition was studied via CFRP cutting tests. It has been shown that the RIBE decoated and recoated tools had a high level of cutting performance comparable to the new tools.
Keywords CFRP Cutting tool reconditioning CVD diamond film Decoating Delamination Flank wear ASJC Scopus subject areas Materials Science(all) Instrumentation Engineering(all) Process Chemistry and Technology Computer Science Applications Fluid Flow and Transfer Processes


Abstract
Background: The malaria Eradication Research Agenda (malERA) has identified human-to-mosquito transmission of Plasmodium falciparum as a major target for eradication. The cornerstone for identifying and evaluating transmission in the laboratory is standard membrane feeding assays (SMFAs) where mature gametocytes of P. falciparum generated in vitro are offered to mosquitoes as part of a blood-meal. However, propagation of "infectious" gametocytes requires 10-12 days with considerable physico-chemical demands imposed on host RBCs and thus, "fresh" RBCs that are ≤ 1-week old post-collection are generally recommended. However, in addition to the costs, physico-chemical characteristics unique to RBC donors may confound reproducibility and interpretation of SMFAs. Cryogenic storage of RBCs ("cryo-preserved RBCs") is accepted by European and US FDAs as an alternative to refrigeration (4 °C) for preserving RBC "quality" and while cryo-preserved RBCs have been used for in vitro cultures of other Plasmodia and the asexual stages of P. falciparum, none of the studies required RBCs to support parasite development for > 4 days. Results: Using the standard laboratory strain, P. falciparum NF54, 11 SMFAs were performed with RBCs from four separate donors to demonstrate that RBCs cryo-preserved in the gaseous phase of liquid nitrogen (- 196 °C) supported gametocytogenesis in vitro and subsequent gametogenesis in Anopheles stephensi mosquitoes. Overall levels of sporogony in the mosquito, as measured by oocyst and sporozoite prevalence, as well as oocyst burden, from each of the four donors thawed after varying intervals of cryopreservation (1, 4, 8, and 12 weeks) were comparable to using ≤ 1-week old refrigerated RBCs. Lastly, the potential for cryo-preserved RBCs to serve as a suitable alternative substrate is demonstrated for a Cambodian isolate of P. falciparum across two independent SMFAs. Conclusions: Basic guidelines are presented for integrating cryo-preserved RBCs into an existing laboratory/insectary framework for P. falciparum SMFAs with significant potential for reducing running costs while achieving greater reliability. Lastly, scenarios are discussed where cryo-preserved RBCs may be especially useful in enhancing the understanding and/or providing novel insights into the patterns and processes underlying human-to-mosquito transmission.
Bibliographical note© 2018, The Author(s). Keywords Anopheles stephensi Cryogenic preservation Gametogenesis Malaria Plasmodium falciparum RBCs SMFAs Transmission


Abstract
We study damping signatures at the Jiangmen Underground Neutrino Observatory (JUNO), a medium-baseline reactor neutrino oscillation experiment. These damping signatures are motivated by various new physics models, including quantum decoherence, ν
3 decay, neutrino absorption, and wave packet decoherence. The phenomenological effects of these models can be characterized by exponential damping factors at the probability level. We assess how well JUNO can constrain these damping parameters and how to disentangle these different damping signatures at JUNO. Compared to current experimental limits, JUNO can significantly improve the limits on τ 3/m 3 in the ν 3 decay model, the width of the neutrino wave packet σ x, and the intrinsic relative dispersion of neutrino momentum σ rel. [Figure not available: see fulltext.]. Keywords Neutrino Detectors and Telescopes (experiments)


Ripple20 threat could affect 35% of all IT environments – ExtraHop
A series of security vulnerabilities dubbed the ‘Ripple20' could cripple software supply chains if left undetected and unpatched – that's the word from security firm ExtraHop, which published a report showing that 35% of all IT environments are vulnerable.
Ripple20 relates to vulnerabilities in the Treck TCP/IP software library that is used by device manufacturers across a range of industries, including government, healthcare, and utilities. The Treck software stack has also been used in devices for more than 20 years.
Of Ripple20's 19 vulnerabilities, four have been allocated CVEs. These include CVE-2020-11896, CVE-2020-11897, CVE-2020-11898, and CVE-2020-11901. The vulnerabilities have the potential to ‘ripple' through complex software supply chains, enabling attackers to steal data or execute code.
ExtraHop researchers studied customer data and found that the exploit could be widely used by attackers to gain access into corporate networks – particularly as the average dwell time is a whopping 56 days.
ExtraHop CISO Jeff Costlow says, “The devices that utilise the Treck stack are far-reaching with the potential for vast exploitation.
“A threat actor could conceivably use this vulnerability to hide malicious code in the embedded devices for an extended period of time, and traditional endpoint or perimeter security solutions like EDR or NGFW will not have visibility into this set of exploits.
However, security firm JSOF says that it will be difficult to create a definitive list of affected devices due to several reasons. These include a lack of information on sub-licensed products from vendors, 'liberal' use of the Treck code such as repurposing and reuse, and original manufacturers who have long gone out of business.
ExtraHop says that visibility and behavioural analysis of managed and unmanaged devices, including IoT, and visibility into unusual activity from potentially exploited devices within an organisation's east-west traffic, are table stakes for a secure network.
Organisations should:
Patch software: “Vendors utilising the Treck Software were given early access to the threat details so they could start producing patches immediately. Unfortunately, a large number of devices have discontinued support which has made it difficult to account for all vulnerable device makes and models.” Remove any devices unable to be patched Monitor for any malicious scans that could indicate device compromise Implement exploit detection, particularly for lateral movement and privilege escalation. Isolate vulnerable devices by:
Verifying devices are not publicly accessible Moving devices to a network segment isolated from local subnets Dropping all IP-in-IP traffic destined for affected devices Dropping all IPv6 traffic destined for affected devices.


Tazelaar stated the price of some meals, resembling dairy merchandise and eggs, has remained fairly secure. However the prices of different classes, notably meat and canned items, have grown considerably, he stated, including the worth of floor beef — even at wholesale — is up 44%.
“These are large classes,” Tazelaar stated. “We undergo numerous meat. We undergo numerous canned items.”
These most affected by larger grocery payments are individuals who already go to meals pantries, he stated, and the elevated prices on the grocery retailer can imply additional counting on pantries or turning to cheap, unhealthy meals choices.
Second Harvest noticed a 60% improve in individuals needing meals help on the top of the pandemic. Whereas the quantity has dropped, the necessity nonetheless stays 22% above pre-pandemic ranges, Tazelaar stated. Along with larger prices, the meals financial institution has been contending with provide chain disruptions, Tazelaar stated. In a single instance, he stated an anticipated three-week supply of a truck of peanut butter as an alternative took three months.
The River is seeing a drop within the quantity of meals it recovers from grocers and retailers when merchandise close to their best-by or expiration date, Osborn-Senatus stated. Previously a number of months, the nonprofit has acquired, on common, 7,000 kilos much less in recovered meals than it usually would from the 110 weekly stops it makes at retailers within the Madison space, she stated.


Any local agency selling, leasing, or otherwise disposing of land must ensure compliance with the Surplus Lands Act (SLA), as most recently amended in 2019 by
AB 1486 (Ting). The amended SLA prescribes notification and negotiation procedures, documentation and reporting requirements, and minimum inclusionary affordable housing thresholds for residential development on surplus land. Failure to comply with SLA, including newly established guidelines from the Housing and Community Development Department (HCD), may result in avoidable delays, legal action, and financial penalties.
In brief, SLA requires that prior to disposing of land that is not necessary for the agency’s use, as defined, the local agencymust take
formal action with written findings declaring it as “surplus land” or “exempt surplus land,” and report this to HCD. It must send a Notice of Availability (NOA) for surplus land to any local public entity, “housing sponsors” that have requested notification, parks and recreation entities and school districts for open space purposes or school facilities. Those entities have 60 days to express interest, after which the agency must negotiate in good faith for 90 days. Documentation of notices and negotiations must be provided, reviewed and approved by HCD. Exempt surplus land includes disposition for affordable housing, if it is within certain parameters, and small parcels sold to a contiguous owner of land. Even if no entity responds to the NOA, if 10 or more residential units are developed on the land, then at least 15% of units must be affordable to lower income households. Violations are subject to a penalty of 30% of sales proceeds (50% on subsequent violations) to be deposited in the local housing trust fund.
If you need assistance navigating SLA and the HCD guidelines, including evaluating and strategizing if certain properties and uses should be deemed surplus or exempt surplus land, contact Mark Sawicki at [email protected] or 714-316-2194.


Individuals experiencing homelessness are at increased risk of infection with severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 owing to their lack of safe housing and are also at higher risk of severe coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), given the high prevalence of risk factors in homeless populations.
People experiencing homelessness often find it difficult to adhere to public health directives such as physical distancing, isolation and quarantine because of shelter conditions and other challenges.
Several cities and regions have taken measures to provide spaces for people experiencing homelessness, to ensure physical distancing, isolation or quarantine; however, service providers must focus on building relationships and rapport, and take a trauma-informed approach to care, to persuade individuals to follow advice.
Closure of regular services may put people experiencing homelessness at risk of other harms, such as those related to unsafe substance use and intimate partner violence.
The COVID-19 pandemic has highlighted the importance of housing as a social determinant of health and raises the question of whether current approaches to addressing homelessness should be re-evaluated.
Infectious disease epidemics and pandemics have a disproportionate impact on people experiencing poverty, marginalization, stigmatization and discrimination.1
–3 Amid the current coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic, this disparity is particularly relevant for individuals who experience homelessness. Homeless shelters are an ideal environment for transmission of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) because of shared living spaces, crowding, difficulty achieving physical distancing and high population turnover. 4 People who are homeless also have a high prevalence of chronic health conditions that increase the risk of poor outcomes if they develop COVID-19.5
We discuss the unique effects of COVID-19 on those experiencing homelessness, specific challenges to be addressed and strategies to mitigate disease spread within the homeless population, focusing on emerging trends in North America from the perspective of equity-informed action. We highlight interventions and adaptations that may lessen the adverse impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on people experiencing homelessness.
How has COVID-19 affected the homeless population and its service providers?
Homeless individuals are at increased risk of infection with SARS-CoV-2 owing to their lack of safe housing and conditions in shelter and drop-in facilities.1
,6 In a shelter population, spread of SARS-CoV-2 may be rapid and the detection of illness delayed because of limited access to health care and social services.7 ,8 The risk of severe COVID-19 is increased for people experiencing homelessness owing to the high prevalence of medical comorbidities including heart disease, respiratory conditions, liver disease and high rates of smoking in homeless populations.9 –11 An increasing proportion of people experiencing homelessness are older than 65 years, a factor that also exacerbates the risk of developing severe COVID-19.12
Given these factors, modelling of the potential effect of SARS-CoV-2 among the US homeless population showed a potential peak infection rate of 40%, with an estimated 4.3% of individuals who experience homelessness likely to require admission to hospital.6 Among 408 individuals experiencing homelessness who were in shelters in Boston, Massachusetts, 36% tested positive for SARS-CoV-2.13 Rapid transmission has also been reported among staff at shelters, with 1 study showing that 30% of staff working in a Boston shelter tested positive for COVID-19.14 Projected COVID-19 mortality rates among individuals experiencing homelessness range from 0.3% to 1.9%, which is higher than population averages.6
Staff and organizations that provide services for people experiencing homelessness have identified the following particular problems: lack of timely and ongoing public health communications, difficulties in maintaining adequate infection control measures because of limitations in staffing and physical facilities, lack of sufficient personal protective equipment, and challenges to achieving effective screening of clients.1 Furthermore, the obvious difficulty of maintaining self-isolation or quarantine in shelters or drop-in sites makes it essential to plan early and proactively to create isolation sites for people experiencing homelessness.1
What changes to the homeless services sector may reduce the spread of COVID-19?
A framework created by the Canadian Network for Health and Housing for People Experiencing Homelessness notes 6 essential pillars in response to this pandemic: enhanced screening methods, sentinel surveillance, coordination of health and shelter systems, COVID-19 risk stratification, isolation shelters for persons under investigation and cohorting SARS-CoV-2-positive cases for community-based shelter care.15 Given that homeless people represent a group that is particularly vulnerable to COVID-19, it is prudent to offer homeless people priority testing for SARS-CoV-2.
In keeping with general public health recommendations to prevent the spread of SARS-CoV-2, shelters, meal programs and other organizations that serve individuals experiencing homelessness must create conditions that enable physical distancing. Opening new shelter spaces and increasing spacing between beds has the potential to reduce the risk of spread of SARS-CoV-2.7
,16 Additional strategies to allow for physical distancing in shelters and drop-in sites include moving individuals who experience homelessness into hotels and motels, which has been implemented by government and shelter personnel in locations such as Montréal, Calgary, Los Angeles and the Region of Peel in Ontario.17 –20 Such efforts require commitment to additional funding and human resources.
Seattle reportedly created 1893 new spaces in shelter services to address the unique needs of individuals experiencing homelessness, 16 including increased number of beds in emergency shelters (95 beds), access to areas for physical distancing (709 expansion spaces), areas for isolation or quarantine (432 beds) and areas designed for recovery (612 beds).16 A dedicated site for individuals with COVID-19 and experiencing homelessness was created in the Region of Peel and in Toronto, Canada, to allow for isolation along with health and social support care.7
,20 What special challenges arise in the management of people who are suspected of having or confirmed to have COVID-19?
Intersecting factors such as mental illness, substance use, involvement in sex work and distrust of service providers may contribute substantially to difficulties faced by individuals in engaging with pandemic-specific protocols.4, Additional challenges include limited access to health or social services.4 Screening and treatment services such as primary care clinics may have been less accessible for individuals experiencing homelessness. The transient nature of homeless populations adds further complexities with respect to contact tracing to contain the spread of SARS-CoV-2 and reduce community transmission. 4 Additionally, the limited availability of services relative to the needs of the population poses major constraints on control efforts, as inadequate resources (e.g., space and personal protective equipment) make enforcing public health protocols extremely difficult at many shelters.7
,8
Individuals experiencing homelessness who do not adhere to advice to self-isolate or quarantine pose a particular challenge. When individuals with SARS-CoV-2 re-enter the community, risk of disease transmission is high. Absent legal and restrictive measures to address this issue, health and social homeless service providers must focus on building relationships and rapport, and take a trauma-informed approach to care, to persuade individuals to follow advice.
As discussed, individuals experiencing homelessness are likely to be at high risk for clinically severe COVID-19 yet are also unlikely to have engaged in any advance care planning. However, as a result of alienation from the health care system, many individuals experiencing homelessness may resist transfer to hospital if their condition deteriorates. Work is under way to establish consistent protocols for advance care planning for homeless people before admission to COVID-19 sites. Clinicians caring for this population should be trained and equipped to provide pandemic palliative care, including compassionate and trauma-informed end-of-life care.21
How might physical distancing and isolation interventions negatively affect individuals experiencing homelessness?
Physical distancing has substantial negative implications for individuals who are homeless or precariously housed. Abrupt closure of drop-in services and community centres, and resulting disruption in social relationships and support, may lead to deterioration in mental health for many. Similarly, reduced access to public spaces such as libraries, community centres and malls, and a reduction in resources such as peer counselling services, disproportionately affect individuals experiencing homelessness.
Among individuals who are experiencing homelessness and have substance use disorders, the added stress imposed by the closures of related services may contribute to increased alcohol or drug use and high rates of substance-related morbidity or mortality.22
,23 For individuals who are opioid dependent, experiences of physical distancing and the resulting limited supply of opioid products may increase risks of overdose because of intermittent use and loss of drug tolerance. Reduced access to supervised consumption services increases risk of harms associated with unsafe drug use, including acquisition of blood-borne infections such as HIV and hepatitis C.23
For many individuals who experience homelessness, sources of income include activities such as panhandling or sex work. Among women, girls and gender-diverse people, engaging in sex work or survival sex is often necessary to maintain shelter or to avoid intimate partner violence.24 With physical distancing in place, individuals may have a reduced ability to engage in these activities and therefore may suffer substantial loss of income. Furthermore, homeless women and gender-diverse people may be at increased risk of experiencing intimate partner violence during the pandemic.
Individuals who experience homelessness are also likely to face criminalization of their daily life. For example, it is difficult, if not impossible, for homeless individuals to avoid infractions of physical distancing orders when they line up to enter a shelter or meal program or when they sit on a park bench. Homeless people in both Canada and the US have reportedly received fines ranging from $500 to $10 000 for such violations,25 which is highly problematic.25
How can COVID-19 care for individuals who experience homelessness be made more equitable?
As described above, interventions that are designed to house, isolate and treat people experiencing homelessness can begin to address the challenges, yet gaps remain. Programs and policies for addressing COVID-19 should be developed with and by Indigenous organizations to ensure that stigmatization, racism and ongoing colonialization experienced by Indigenous people is not compounded by public health approaches to the pandemic and that the unique needs of Indigenous people experiencing homelessness are met.
Health, social and government agencies must collaborate in a coordinated approach when developing and implementing services within the homeless sector. Funding is needed to ensure adequate supply of resources such as personal protective equipment, to enhance shelter space and to ensure harm reduction approaches in isolation and quarantine facilities for individuals experiencing homelessness. The latter includes providing managed alcohol programs, overdose prevention support and access to opioid antagonist therapy or safer supply.
Finally, as the pandemic wanes and is ultimately controlled, governments and service providers should take the opportunity to overhaul the way that people experiencing homelessness are treated and sheltered, and to transition to approaches that focus on long-term recovery through permanent housing and supports. 8
,25 The feasibility of the latter approach will be influenced by ongoing shifts in the housing market, public priorities and government budgets as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic. Conclusion
COVID-19 and associated public health control measures pose particular challenges and increased risks of harm for people experiencing homelessness. Measures have been implemented across the US and Canada to increase capacity to allow safe physical distancing for homeless people, including arranging temporary housing, enlarging shelter spaces and creating isolation sites for homeless people with COVID-19. However, the diverse needs of various subgroups of people experiencing homelessness must be considered to ensure implementation of effective and equity-focused interventions. The COVID-19 pandemic has highlighted the importance of housing as a social determinant of health and raises the question of whether current approaches to addressing homelessness should be re-evaluated.
Footnotes Competing interests:Stephen Hwang and Naheed Dosani receive sessional payments from Inner City Health Associates for providing and directing medical care for people experiencing homelessness in Toronto. No other competing interests were declared.
This article has been peer reviewed.
Contributors:All of the authors contributed to the conception and design of the work, drafted the manuscript, revised it critically for important intellectual content, gave final approval of the version to be published and agreed to be accountable for all aspects of the work.


Stewardship of the environment and conservation are key aspects of the origin of Columbia, MD. In 2012, CA created its energy management program and since then, significant progress has been made in reducing energy consumption and greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. Strategic goals established by CA leadership in planning and budget documents include addressing the sustainability of CA operations with a focus on effective energy management and GHG emissions reductions. Since 2012, CA has reduced its energy use intensity by over 20 percent and its GHG emissions by more than half. Dozens of LED lighting projects have been implemented, ENERGY STAR HVAC units are installed as a standard, and electricity use is fully offset with solar and wind sources.


On April 22, 2019 a ribbon-cutting event held at Darien Town Hall was more than just a formality: It was Earth Day and the celebration also marked the completion of three solar photovoltaic systems on municipal buildings.
The roof-top installations at Town Hall, the Darien Police Station, and the Department of Public Works garage significantly increased the town’s Class 1 renewable energy generating capacity. Remarkably, through the power purchase agreement formalized with the Connecticut Green Bank, the installations were estimated to also save the town approximately $1.3 million over the life of the 20-year contract.


Each public street in Bainbridge Island has a distinct character that is defined by the configuration of the right-of-way and the building frontages, public and open spaces and landscape that form the edges of each street. This section focuses on improvements related to new development or redevelopment that shape the pedestrian realm and the buildings that contribute to a distinct streetscape, and together reflect a desired future state for the street. These guidelines are intended to inform design decisions on-site and in the public right-of-way that contribute to the character and experience of the streetscape. The street types, frontages and guidelines described in this section do not replace or supersede the requirements of the “City of Bainbridge Island Engineering Design and Construction Standards and Specifications”. Key streets on the island are categorized into street types that are not defined by the same conditions, but share a similar vision and raise similar design considerations. Each street type defines common characteristics and guidelines that offer design direction and align with the vision for these streets. The street types regulate building orientation and façade design through specific building frontage typologies that are permitted only on certain street types. These building frontages outline how buildings should relate to each street and contribute to the public realm through greenery, public spaces, and entries consistent with the character of each street type.


Long after conflicts have ended, explosive ordnance continue to kill, injure and impact the daily life of affected communities. Despite significant efforts over the past two decades to limit the impact of explosive ordnance, recent armed conflicts have caused a sharp rise in the number of casualties, although many accidents go unreported, especially in conflict areas. A new, more complex contamination, that includes improvised explosive devices (IEDs), has a severe impact on civilians and infrastructure.
Populations living in mine-affected communities must often live with the risk posed by mines. Due to mine contamination, people are often no longer able to farm their own fields and feed their family. Children are no longer able to go to school and refugees are unable to return safely home after the end of the conflicts.
The presence of explosive ordnance limits access to livelihoods and key services. It also significantly affect reconstruction and development after the end of a conflict, displacement and resettlement of internally displaced persons and refugees and environment.


Effectiveness of continuous endotracheal cuff pressure control for the prevention of ventilator associated respiratory infections: an open-label randomised, controlled trial. Dat VQ., Yen LM., Loan HT., Phu VD., Binh NT., Geskus RB., Trinh DHK., Mai NTH., Phu NH., Phu Huong Lan N., Thuy TP., Trung NV., Trung Cap N., Trinh DT., Hoa NT., Van NTT., Luan VTT., Nhu TTQ., Long HB., Ha NTT., Van NTT., Campbell J., Ahmadnia E., Kestelyn E., Wyncoll D., Thwaites GE., Van Hao N., Chien LT., Van Kinh N., Van Vinh Chau N., van Doorn HR., Thwaites CL., Nadjm B.
An endotracheal tube cuff pressure between 20-30 cmH2O is recommended to prevent ventilator-associated respiratory infection (VARI). We aimed to evaluate whether continuous cuff pressure control (CPC) was associated with reduced VARI incidence compared with intermittent CPC. We conducted a multi-centre open-label randomised controlled trial in intensive care unit (ICU) patients within 24 hours of intubation in Vietnam. Patients were randomly assigned 1:1 to receive either continuous CPC using an automated electronic device or intermittent CPC using a manually hand-held manometer. The primary endpoint was the occurrence of VARI, evaluated by an independent reviewer blinded to the CPC allocation. We randomised 600 patients, 597 received the intervention or control and were included in the intention to treat analysis. Compared with intermittent CPC, continuous CPC did not reduce the proportion of patients with at least one episode of VARI [74/296 (25%) vs. 69/301 (23%); odds ratio (OR) 1.13; 95%CI 0.77-1.67]. There were no significant differences between continuous and intermittent CPC concerning the proportion of microbiologically confirmed VARI (OR 1.40; 95%CI 0.94- 2.10), the proportion of intubated days without antimicrobials [relative proportion (RP) 0.99; 95%CI 0.87-1.12], rate of ICU discharge [cause-specific hazard ratio (HR) 0.95; 95%CI 0.78-1.16], cost of ICU stay [difference in transformed mean (DTM) 0.02; 95%CI -0.05-0.08], cost of ICU antimicrobials (DTM 0.02; 95%CI -0.25-0.28), cost of hospital stay (DTM 0.02; 95%CI -0.04-0.08) and ICU mortality risk (OR 0.96; 95%CI 0.67-1.38). Maintaining CPC through an automated electronic device did not reduce VARI incidence. NCT02966392.


The purpose of this toolkit is to provide practical guidance to adapt and implement the I CAN campaign in any country context. The objective of the campaign is to elevate and promote the benefits of HIV treatment as prevention across a range of audiences. While the concept of “Undetectable equals Untransmittable,” or “U=U,” has been a powerful tool for shifting that perception in the U.S. and Europe, this highly medicalized frame has not always resonated in many countries, particularly those in Africa. The I CAN campaign approach uses the language of viral suppression to communicate the same concept in a more familiar way.
Guidelines for Implementation I CAN Creative Brief Sample I CAN Campaign Identity Guidelines I CAN ART Champion Training Curriculum I CAN Campaign Costing Tool Notes I CAN ART Champion Sample SOPs I CAN Readiness Assessment Tool Infographics and Explainers Viral Load Explainer Myths and Misconceptions Fact Sheet – What to expect after testing positive B-ok Bottles Explained Please provide your feedback to our toolkit here, so we may best reach actors with the tools they need.


New York has its own laws regarding dog bites, but the following are some of the basic rules. First of all, canine professionals, including dog trainers, dog groomers and veterinarians, are not eligible for compensation because the risk of a bite comes with their job. Those who trespass on a property, provoke the dog, tease it or attack its owner cannot qualify if they are bitten.
However, apartment landlords, trailer park owners and owners of people-centered businesses like day care centers and elderly care facilities can be held liable if a dog under their supervision bites a resident or entrant. For an effective claim, it must be shown that the dog was dangerous. New York operates under the "one bite" rule, which means owners are not liable when a dog with no violent history bites someone for the first time.
Victims with a valid claim can strive for one of two types of settlements: structured and lump-sum settlements. The courts usually award lump-sum settlements although victims may negotiate for one with the insurance companies. The court has the power to approve or reject settlements.
Taxes are another consideration; victims may pay high taxes on lump-sum settlements and no taxes on structured settlements. Settlements can cover not just physical injuries but also future medical expenses, lost wages and even emotional distress.
Those who believe they have a case under premises liability law might want to hire a lawyer. Personal injury lawyers may have a network of professionals to investigate an incident, determine the extent of the injuries, and determine the rights and duties of both sides. After the evidence of negligence has been put together, the lawyer may be able to negotiate for a fair settlement. If one cannot be achieved, the lawyer might prepare the case for court.


ABSTRACT
Is anti-Americanism one of the last respectable prejudices, or are accusations of anti-Americanism a way to silence reasonable criticism of the United States?
Is the recent rise in anti-Americanism principally a reaction to President George W. Bush and his administration, or does it reflect a general turn against America and Americans? Have we moved from the American century to the anti-American century, with the United States as the ‘whipping boy’ for a growing range of anxieties? Can the United States recapture the international good will generally extended towards it in the days following 11 September 2001? These key questions are tackled by this new book, which offers the first comprehensive overview of anti-Americanism in the twenty-first century.
Examining what is sensibly called anti-Americanism and its principal sources, this study details how the Bush administration has provoked a recent upsurge in anti-Americanism with its stances on a range of issues from the Kyoto Protocol to the war in Iraq. However, the spread of anti-Americanism reflects deeper cultural and political anxieties about Americanization and American global power that will persist beyond the Bush administration.
At the heart of much of the recent anti-Americanism is opposition in the Middle East, and elsewhere, to US support of Israel. This crucial issue is explored in depth as is the associated claim of a ‘clash of civilizations’ between Islam and the West and the rise of anti-American terrorism.
This book will be of great interest to all students and scholars of American Studies, International Relations and Politics.
TABLE OF CONTENTS part |2 pages
Part 1: Understanding anti-Americanism
part |2 pages
Part II Sources of anti-Americanism


Authors
1
Department of Genetics, Faculty of Biological Sciences, Tarbiat Modares University, Tehran, Iran,
2
Chronic Respiratory Diseases Research Center (CRDRC), National Research Institute of Tuberculosis and Lung Diseases (NRITLD), Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran,
3
Tobacco Control Research Center, Tehran, Iran.
Abstract
Background: Despite being a high burden disorder, the pathogenesis of severe refractory asthma (SRA) is poorly understood. There are some evidences for the involvement of members of the signal transducer and activator of transcription (STAT) family, including STAT3 and STAT5a. Our study aimed to evaluate the gene expression of STAT3 and STAT5a in asthma and SRA to establish if there is an association. Materials and Methods: Using quantitative real-time polymerase chain reactions (qRT-PCR), the transcript levels of STAT3 and STAT5a were evaluated in peripheral blood mononuclear lymphocytes (PBML) isolated from 13 patients with SRA, 14 with mild asthma, and 30 healthy volunteers. Results: There were no significant differences in STAT3 transcript levels between study groups. There was however a significant difference in STAT5a transcript levels between cases and controls (p-value=0.03). In comparison to healthy controls, the levels of STAT5a were notably lower in patients with mild asthma and significantly least in those with SRA. Conclusion: Our study found no appreciable association between STAT3 gene expression and either mild asthma or SRA. However, the STAT5a down regulation in asthmatics and especially SRA is a notable finding which denotes on association between STAT5a and different level of asthma.
Keywords


Many people rely on Irrevocable Trusts as part of their estate plan. These tools are powerful in ensuring a person’s final wishes are respected without the need to go through probate. However, a change in life circumstances sometimes makes it necessary to alter Irrevocable Trusts.
While making these changes might take some effort, you have the right to revise or even terminate the Trust during the course of your life. In these situations, an experienced estate planning attorney could provide crucial assistance with Cary Irrevocable Trust modification and termination.
The easiest way to change the terms of an Irrevocable Trust is by consent. While changes to an Irrevocable Trust often require court approval, this is not the case when the modifications are made by consent. This is likely the simplest way to amend a Trust, but it is important to note that it requires the consent of the grantor as well as every potential beneficiary, no matter how unlikely it is that they will inherit.
When all parties consent, a trustee and their attorney can either modify a material term of the Irrevocable Trust or terminate it entirely. To protect the rights of everyone involved, it is best to have this modification in writing. In some cases, a parent can consent on behalf of their minor children.
When modifying by consent is not possible, it will take an act of the court to change or terminate a Trust. Importantly, this is the only option in situations where the grantor is no longer living. In these cases, the process begins with the filing of a petition with the Superior Court.
When modifying a Trust, the court faces more limitations compared to revisions made by consent. If the trustee seeks to terminate the Trust entirely, the court may only do so if the judge determines that continuing the Trust is unnecessary to achieve its material purpose. Regarding modifications, the court may only agree to a change if they determine it is consistent with the Trust’s material purpose.
However, there is an important exception. Should the court decide that the reasoning behind the proposed alteration substantially outweighs the Trust’s material purpose, the judge is empowered to allow the petition. A well-practiced lawyer in the area could advise a person seeking trust modification or termination on the likely outcome of their court case.
The opinions of the Trust beneficiaries are important during this process. If each beneficiary agrees to the modification, the court is more likely to agree. However, an objection by a beneficiary is not enough to prevent the change from happening. The court can still grant a modification as long as the beneficiaries’ rights are adequately protected.
In some cases, the Trust document will give a trustee some discretion to make distributions of assets. A trustee with this power could use a process known as “decanting” to alter the Trust by essentially pouring its assets into a new Trust with more favorable terms. This is possible without court intervention if the Trust documentation allows it. However, in this instance, the trustee cannot be a beneficiary of the Trust. Cary residents who are considering decanting a Trust should consult with a knowledgeable attorney.
There are many important estate planning decisions in the process of setting up Trusts. A dedicated legal team could help ensure that your plan is sound to avoid mistakes or disputes once you have passed away. Let a skilled attorney assist you with the Irrevocable Trust modification and termination process. Call today for a confidential meeting with one of our team members.


Like many places in the world right now, living costs are rising sharply in the UK. This is particularly concerning for people with lung conditions who may end up needing to pay more for their prescriptions or for higher energy bills related to the use of medical devices. This concern is reflected in a 45% increase in calls to the Asthma + Lung helpline seeking financial advice.
Asthma + Lung UK has been campaigning alongside other charities as a member of the End Fuel Poverty Coalition, calling on the UK government to do more to ensure people with lung conditions are prioritised for additional financial support. They are also advocating for scrapping unfair prescription charges that prohibit nearly 57% of people with asthma in England from taking their medication as prescribed.
Alongside their advocacy work, they also offer practical guidance and resources on the increased costs of living to members and the public.
Find their guidance here.


One aspect of successful aging is maintaining cognitive functioning, which includes both subjective cognitive functioning and objective cognitive functioning even in lieu of subtle cognitive deficits that occur with normal, nonpathological aging. Age-related cognitive deficits emerge across several domains including attention, memory, language, speed of processing, executive, and psychomotor, just to name a few. A primary theory explaining such cognitive deficits is cognitive reserve theory; it posits that biological factors such as demyelination and oxidative stress interfere with neuronal communication, which eventually produces observable deficits in cognitive functioning. Therefore, it is important to maintain or improve cognitive reserve to augment cognitive functioning in later life. This article provides a general overview of the principles of geroneuropsychology along with implications for nursing practice and research.


As artificial intelligence (AI) system’s capabilities advance, the law has struggled to keep pace. Nowhere is this more evident than patent law’s refusal to recognize AI as an inventor. This is precisely what happened when, in 2020, the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) ruled that it will not accept an AI system as a named inventor on a patent. This note explores untenable legal fiction that the USPTO’s ruling has created. First, it explores the current state of AI systems, focusing on those capable of invention. Next, it examines patent law’s inventorship doctrine and the USPTO’s application of that doctrine to AI inventors. The note then explains that disallowing AI systems as inventors does not map well onto patent law’s most common justifications. Finally, the note recommends a solution that maximizes patent law’s incentive structure; AI systems should be allowed as named inventors when patent ownership has been pre-contracted away to a natural person. If patent ownership has not been pre-contracted, the idea should enter the public domain and be unpatentable.


BACKGROUND: We conducted a national impact evaluation of routine rotavirus vaccination on childhood diarrhea in Peru, accounting for potential modifying factors. METHODS: We utilized a dataset compiled from Peruvian governmental sources to fit negative binomial models investigating the impact of rotavirus vaccination, piped water access, sewerage access and poverty on the rate of diarrhea clinic visits in children under 5 years old in 194 Peruvian provinces. We considered the interaction between these factors to assess whether water access, sanitation access, or poverty modified the association between ongoing rotavirus vaccination and childhood diarrhea clinic visits. We compared the "pre-vaccine" (2005-2009) and "post-vaccine" (2010-2015) eras. RESULTS: The rate of childhood diarrhea clinic visits was 7% [95% confidence interval (CI): 3%-10%] lower in the post-vaccine era compared to the pre-vaccine era, controlling for long-term trend and El Niño seasons. No impact of rotavirus vaccination was identified in provinces with the lowest access to piped water (when <40% of province households had piped water) or in the lowest category of sewerage (when <17% of province households had a sewerage connection). Accounting for long-term and El Niño trends, the rate of childhood diarrhea clinic visits was lower in the post-vaccine era by 7% (95% CI: 2%-12%), 13% (95% CI: 7%-19%) and 15% (95% CI: 10%-20%) in the second, third and fourth (highest) quartiles of piped water access, respectively (compared to the pre-vaccine era); results for sewerage access were similar. CONCLUSION: Improved water/sanitation may operate synergistically with rotavirus vaccination to reduce childhood clinic visits for diarrhea in Peru.


Abstract
Evidence of exposure to enteric pathogens through the air and associated risk of infection is scarce in the literature outside of animal- or human-waste handling settings. Cities with poor sanitation are important locations to investigate this aerial exposure pathway as their rapid growth will pose unprecedented challenges in waste management. To address this issue, simple surveillance methods are needed. Therefore, the objectives of this study were to optimize a community exposure bioaerosol surveillance strategy for urban outdoor locations with poor sanitation, and to determine which bioaerosols could contribute to exposure. Passive and active bioaerosol sampling methods were used to characterize the fate and transport of sanitation-related bioaerosols during the rainy and dry seasons in La Paz, Bolivia. Median coliform bacteria fluxes were 71 CFU/(m
2 × h) during the rainy season and 64 CFU/(m 2 × h) during the dry season, with 38% of the dry season samples testing positive for E. coli. Wind speed, relative humidity and UVB irradiance were identified as significant covariates to consider in bioaerosol transport models in La Paz. Active sampling yielded one positive sample (10%) for human adenovirus (HadV) and one sample (10%) for influenza A virus during the rainy season. HadV was detected at the site with the highest bacterial flux. Four samples (8%) were positive for influenza A virus in the dry season. These findings suggest that aerosols can contribute to community exposure to potentially pathogenic microorganisms in cities with poor sanitation. The use of passive sampling, despite its limitations, can provide quantitative data on microorganisms' viability within realistic timeframes of personal exposure. Keywords Bioaerosols Exposure Pathogens Sanitation Urban ASJC Scopus subject areas Environmental Engineering Environmental Chemistry Waste Management and Disposal Pollution


J Am Coll Emerg Physicians Open ; 2(5): e12577, 2021 Oct. ABSTRACT
OBJECTIVES: Emergency medicine physicians have played a pivotal role throughout the coronavirus disease 19 (COVID-19) pandemic through in-person and remote management and treatment. Our primary objectives were to understand emergency medicine physicians' experiences using telehealth throughout the pandemic, any facilitators/barriers to successful usage, lessons learned during implementation, and successful/abandoned strategies used to engage with older adults. METHODS: Using a semi-structured interview guide, we conducted 30-min interviews. We used purposeful sampling to recruit emergency medicine physicians from all United States regions, rural-urban settings, and academic and community practices, who reported caring for patients 65 years or older in-person or virtually during the pandemic. Interviews were audio-recorded, transcribed, double-coded, and analyzed for emergent themes using framework analysis. RESULTS: A total of 15 in-depth interviews were completed from September to November 2020. Physicians had a median age of 37 years, 7 were women, and 9 had experience with telehealth before the pandemic. We identified several themes: (1) there were various motivations for telehealth use; (2) telehealth was used primarily to supplement, not replace in-person care; (3) most platforms were easy to use; (4) patients and caregivers had high acceptability of telemedicine; and (5) older adults with sensory and cognitive impairments often relied on caregivers. Emergency medicine physicians played a critical role during primary care office closures during the first wave-dispelling misinformation about COVID-19, triaging patients to testing and treatment, and providing care that would otherwise have been deferred. CONCLUSIONS: Our data show that telemedicine gained acceptability among emergency medicine physicians and provided options to patients who may have otherwise deferred care. These findings can inform future healthcare delivery for acute care needs or pandemic responses.
J Am Med Dir Assoc ; 22(1): 199-203, 2021 01. ABSTRACT
OBJECTIVE: The Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic is an unprecedented challenge for nursing homes, where staff have faced rapidly evolving circumstances to care for a vulnerable resident population. Our objective was to document the experiences of these front-line health care professionals during the pandemic. DESIGN: Electronic survey of long-term care staff. This report summarizes qualitative data from open-ended questions for the subset of respondents working in nursing homes. SETTING AND PARTICIPANTS: A total of 152 nursing home staff from 32 states, including direct-care staff and administrators. METHODS: From May 11 through June 4, 2020, we used social media and professional networks to disseminate an electronic survey with closed- and open-ended questions to a convenience sample of long-term care staff. Four investigators identified themes from qualitative responses for staff working in nursing homes. RESULTS: Respondents described ongoing constraints on testing and continued reliance on crisis standards for extended use and reuse of personal protective equipment. Administrators discussed the burden of tracking and implementing sometimes confusing or contradictory guidance from numerous agencies. Direct-care staff expressed fears of infecting themselves and their families, and expressed sincere empathy and concern for their residents. They described experiencing burnout due to increased workloads, staffing shortages, and the emotional burden of caring for residents facing significant isolation, illness, and death. Respondents cited the presence or lack of organizational communication and teamwork as important factors influencing their ability to work under challenging circumstances. They also described the demoralizing impact of negative media coverage of nursing homes, contrasting this with the heroic public recognition given to hospital staff. CONCLUSIONS AND IMPLICATIONS: Nursing home staff described working under complex and stressful circumstances during the COVID-19 pandemic. These challenges have added significant burden to an already strained and vulnerable workforce and are likely to contribute to increased burnout, turnover, and staff shortages in the long term.


Over the last three years, Discord has tripled its number of active users from 56 million in 2019 to 150 million in 2022. But the social platform headquartered in San Francisco does not only boast a “explosive popularity” (TechCrunch). It is also one of the key platforms for financial debates. Both aspects together make the data extracted from discussions on Discord very relevant for understanding developments on global financial markets.
In a brand new study we investigated whether this data has the potential to trigger movements on the financial markets. To answer this question, the report focuses on Granger causality analysis and estimates associated effect sizes (partial eta squared). Among the main findings are that discussions on Discord have stronger effects on stocks than on crypto assets and that a positive correlation between positive sentiments and close rate, was necessary but not sufficient for a significant effect of Granger causality.
If you want to read the full white paper please request it via the button below.


By
Varun Anipindi The Indian subcontinent is reeling from an unprecedented second wave of COVID-19 infections since March 2021. The country is facing an exponential increase in COVID-19 cases and deaths, and this is related to the emergence of a new variant, B.1.617, that was initially described in the state of Maharashtra. Since then, the variant has rapidly spread throughout the nation and has emerged in at least 40 other countries, including Canada. Key points: Specific mutations identified in the B.1.617 lineage are responsible for its increased viral transmission The current portfolio of vaccines and anti-viral treatments are still effective (albeit at lower efficiency) to protect against this new variant
The novel B.1.617 variant harbors eight mutations in the Spike protein, including L452R and E484Q in the receptor binding domain (which critically interacts with the ACE2 target receptor expressed on a variety of human cells), and a P681R mutation which augments viral fusion with the host cell. Over the past few weeks, three pre-prints have been published to provide insights into the emergence and sensitivity of this variant to current antibody-based therapeutics and vaccines.
A pre-print published by Ferreira I. et al examines the evolution of the B.1.617 strain and provides insight on how these mutations may lead to increased transmission and enable infection in previously vaccinated individuals. The scientists characterized three lineages of this variant: B.1.617.1, B.1.617.2 and B.1.617.3, among which the first two are steadily increasing across India and the UK, respectively. Critically, surveillance of healthcare workers vaccinated with the AstraZeneca vaccine in New Delhi demonstrated that B.1.617.2 was associated with the infection of 30 previously vaccinated individuals during the second wave in March 2021. The researchers also suggested that the E484Q and L452R mutations may be the reason for the reduction in neutralization capacity of sera in vaccinated people. Finally, they also demonstrated that the addition of the P681R mutation induced a higher degree of viral fusion with host cells which might be associated with higher levels of transmission.
Ferreira I, Datir R, Kemp S, Papa G, Rakshit P, Singh S, Meng B, Pandey R, Ponnusamy K, Radhakrishnan VS, The Indian SARS-CoV-2 Genomics Consortium (INSACOG), The CITIID-NIHR BioResource COVID-19 Collaboration, Sato K, James L, Agrawal A, Gupta RK.
SARS-CoV-2 B.1.617 emergence and sensitivity to vaccine-elicited antibodies. bioRxiv. 2021 May 18. doi: 10.1101/2021.05.08.443253.
In another pre-print published by Hoffmann and colleagues, researchers reached a similar consensus for why B.1.617 may be leading to increased COVID-19 infections and deaths in India. They showed that this variant has an increased ability to enter cells and can infect a broader range of target cells, specifically those within the human intestines and lungs. That said, current therapeutics still appear to be effective at blocking viral entry. Inhibitors such as soluble ACE2 (which blocks the viral RBD) and Camostat (which prevents activation of the S protein) have been successful at blocking interaction of the viral RBD with ACE2 targets on the cell surface. However, two of the four currently approved monoclonal antibodies (Casirivimab and Bamblanivimab) were no longer suitable for blocking the B.1.617 variant. Finally, the authors demonstrated that this variant may, to a small degree, evade antibody-mediated control in COVID-19 convalescent patients, or antibodies induced by vaccination with the Pfizer-BioNTech mRNA based vaccine.
Hoffmann M, Hofmann-Winkler H, Krüger N, Kempf A, Nehlmeier I, Graichen L, Sidarovich A, Moldenhauer A-S, Winkler MS, Schulz S, Jäck H-M, Stankov MV, Behrens GMN, Pöhlmann S.
SARS-CoV-2 variant B.1.617 is resistant to Bamlanivimab and evades antibodies induced by infection and vaccination. bioRxiv. 2021 May 5. doi: 10.1101/2021.05.04.442663.
Finally, in a pre-print by Edara and colleagues, researchers use an
in vitro neutralization assay to demonstrate that the B.1.617.1 variant may be 6.8-fold less susceptible to neutralization by antibodies found in COVID-19 convalescent sera or sera from people vaccinated with the Moderna or Pfizer-BioNTech mRNA vaccines.
Edara V-V, Lai L, Sahoo MK, Floyd K, Sibai M, Solis D, Flowers MW, Hussaini L, Ciric CR, Bechnack S, Stephens K, Mokhtari EB, Mudvari P, Creanga A, Pegu A, Derrien-Colemyn A, Henry AR, Gagne M, Graham BS, Wrammert J, Douek DC, Boritz E, Pinsky BA, Suthar MS.
Infection and vaccine-induced neutralizing antibody responses to the SARS-CoV-2 B.1.617.1 variant. bioRxiv. 2021 May 10. doi: 10.1101/2021.05.09.443299


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For salaried individuals in Andhra Pradesh who have a couple of years of experience, the term ‘professional tax’ (PT) is not new. This is because they see it every month in payslips or every year in Form 16 issued to them. However, for new joiners or those who have entered the professional arena recently or a layman, the term professional tax may not be clear.
This piece thoroughly talks about professional tax in Andhra Pradesh. So, start reading to learn everything about PT in Andhra Pradesh!
Professional tax is a direct tax that the State Government of Andhra Pradesh levies on professionals. This tax is levied on salaried individuals and on all kinds of professions, trade and employment, including individuals involved in businesses as freelancers.
Section 276 of the Indian Constitution discusses provisions related to professional tax in India.
Please note that professional tax is deductible from an individual’s taxable income under Section 16 of the Income Tax Act.
Wondering what the professional tax slabs in AP (Andhra Pradesh) are? Follow the table mentioned below,
For salary up to ₹ 15,000
Nil
For salary between ₹ 15,001 - ₹ 20,000
₹ 1,500
For salary ₹ 20,001 or above
₹ 200
Note: Every year, the State Government revises the professional tax slab.
As the definition of professional tax in AP is clear to individuals, we can move to the next sections and learn about other important professional tax-related information.
The Commercial Taxes Department is the nodal agency and is responsible for collecting due professional taxes in the State. The maximum cap set for yearly professional tax payment must not exceed ₹ 2,500.
Currently, this department is reaching out to Andhra Pradesh taxpayers individually to understand the need/importance of paying professional tax dues.
As stated earlier, the State Government of Andhra Pradesh levies a professional tax on earning individuals. To get a clear idea, read the following sections.
Salaried individuals, i.e. employees, are responsible for paying professional tax in AP. However, it is the employer who deducts and pays professional tax to the State Government on behalf of the employee.
Remember, employers also need to pay professional tax corporations, sole proprietorship, partnership firms and individuals running any trade/profession depending on the income category they fall under.
Employers must obtain a professional tax registration certificate to be able to pay PT on/her trade or profession. In addition, they must collect a professional tax enrolment certificate to get the authority to deduct tax.
Individuals practising freelancing business where there are no other employees are involved must self-deposit professional tax.
Currently, there are two types of Returns available to taxpayers which they can pay. These are,
Form I - It refers to the return of payable tax for a month. Form II - It refers to a payment made in a particular financial year.
Here is a step-by-step process of paying PT in Andhra Pradesh.
There are two ways to pay Form II tax in Andhra Pradesh, namely, ‘Direct Payment’ and ‘After Login’.
Direct Payment After Login
The payment dates for professional tax in Andhra Pradesh depends on the certificate of enrolment. Individuals have to pay PT before the 30th June of a financial year; if they have received the certificate of enrollment on or before 31st May. Here, they have to pay PT within a month of the day of enrollment.
In case any individual fails to pay PT in Andhra Pradesh, they have to pay penalty charges which must range from exactly 25% to 50% (not less or more than) of the tax due.
Following is a list of individuals/establishments who/which can benefit from a professional tax exemption in Andhra Pradesh -
The State Government of Andhra Pradesh increased the professional tax amount from ₹ 750 to ₹ 1,250. This is applicable for a certain category and came into immediate effect. The Government issued the notification on 24th August 2020 where two slabs of PT were increased from ₹ 1,250 to ₹ 2,000 to ₹ 2,500.
In the previous section, we mentioned that commercial establishments with an annual turnover of ₹ 10 lakh need not pay PT. However, if they have a turnover from ₹ 10 lakh to ₹ 25 lakh or above ₹ 25 lakh; they have to pay PT of ₹ 2,000 and ₹ 2,500, respectively.
Additionally, way bridge operators, district and state-level cooperative societies, film industry workers, and video libraries have to pay PT of ₹ 2,500 in Andhra Pradesh.
With such a detailed discussion, this piece on professional tax in Andhra Pradesh comes to an end. Read the details, understand the payment procedure and pay professional tax on time to avoid penalty charges.


FACTS - A Section 504 committee will review EXISTING data to determine if an impairment is creating a substantial limitation to a major life function. This is NOT a formal evaluation with testing, and a committee does NOT diagnose a student with an impairment(s).
When it pertains to ADHD, the committee cannot require a doctor's diagnosis. The US Department of Education provides specific guidance about the rights of students with ADHD. A medical diagnosis can be considered but not required. If the team has collected enough data to determine that 'characteristics of ADHD' are creating a barrier to the student's learning, the committee can review the data and determine if the 'characteristics of ADHD' are substantial enough to meet the definition of a disability.
With or without a medical diagnosis, there is NEVER automatic eligibility for Section 504. Eligibility is always determined by a committee based on the data and on a case-by-case basis.
For more information on eligibility, refer to the Dept. of Ed FAQs on evaluation


The use of telehealth services has increased since the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic. While telehealth is convenient, these services can also unexpectedly add cybersecurity risk and impact the privacy of patient information. Explore the NCCoE’s newly developed Telehealth Security and Privacy Tip Sheets for Patients and Providers.
Announcements Announcements Announcements Join the Community of Interest
A Community of Interest (COI) is a group of professionals and advisors who share business insights, technical expertise, challenges, and perspectives to guide NCCoE projects. COIs often include experts, innovators, and everyday users of cybersecurity and privacy technologies. Share your expertise and consider becoming a member of this project's COI.


“Donate surplus produce”
While working with my father, who is on the Visalia Emergency Aid Board, I’ve come to learn that there is a need to donate our excess garden produce.
Due to the ongoing drought, many families of local farmers are suffering from lack of good nutrition. Families receiving aid from Visalia Emergency Aid, have increased greatly in the past few months.
If your family has planted a home garden and doesn’t know what to do with their extra fruits and vegetables, bring them to the Visalia Emergency Aid.
The Visalia Emergency Aid food warehouse is located at 217 N.E. Third street, near the Lincon Oval Park by downtown Visalia. They accept donated food from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday.
Please join us in serving this worthy cause.
Alex Rozier, 15
Visalia


Updated as of April 2022
In 2019, the Canadian Paediatric Society (CPS) released recommendations on the timing of early introduction of allergenic foods for high-risk infants. This specific timing is reinforced, along with other recommendations, in the position statement co-published by CPS and the Canadian Society of Allergy and Clinical Immunology (CSACI) in 2021. Here’s what you need to know:
The guidance is to actively offer non-choking forms of foods containing common allergens (e.g. peanuts, egg) around 6 months of age, but not before 4 months, as this can be effective in preventing food allergy in some high-risk infants. This is a shift from CPS’ prior guidance which said that there was no need to delay the introduction of common allergenic foods beyond 6 months of age. To learn more, visit our early introduction pagewhere you’ll find an overview of the recommendations, webinars with leading allergists, parent resources, like our “Eat Early. Eat Often.” mini-booklet, and more. The CPS recommendations follow the Addendum Guidelines for the Prevention of Peanut Allergy, released in 2017. As always, we recommend you consult with your physician to inquire further about early introduction of allergenic foods. Positive step forward: Highlights the need for continued education and greater healthcare support
CPS’ and CSACI’s updated recommendations are a great step forward in providing consistent guidance to families around how they can potentially help prevent food allergy in their children. Having consistent guidance used by all healthcare providers is essential to ensuring patients have access to the best medical advice and potential interventions for their children, especially if it means preventing a life-threatening food allergy.
However, there is still a significant amount of education and public healthcare support required to shift the mindset in adopting these recommendations in both parents and healthcare professionals.
A recent U.S. survey of new or expecting caregivers of infants younger than 1 year of age found that only 31% were willing to introduce peanut before or around 6 months of age. 1Another survey to Canadian healthcare professionals found that a significant portion of family physicians recommended introduction of allergenic solids at age 1 year or more. 2These examples illustrate the need for increased education. To help reassure and guide parents through early introduction, we also require a public healthcare system that can support executing these recommendations. For instance, having a system that can identify and triage high-risk infants across all levels of healthcare, so they are given priority access to medical professionals and have the best chance possible of preventing this medical condition.
We are committed in our advocacy with Health Canada and the healthcare sector to recognize that food allergy is a public health concern, and to make food allergy a public health priority. It’s only with greater support and resources that prevention and other interventions can be properly and effectively addressed.
We will continue to keep you updated on our advocacy efforts in this area and others.


While 7 out of 13 great whale species are on the trajectory to extinction given pervasive overfishing and being caught as ‘by-catch’, colliding with ships has been identified as the main threat to whales in the Atlantic and Mediterranean Oceans.
Though ship collisions have been identified by the International Whaling Commission (IWC) as a significant threat to whale populations, the phenomenon remains widely unknown and research into preventative measures has consequently been neglected.


CSID IBD IBS IDA Fecal Incontinence Gastroparesis
Mendelian Disease Associations Reveal Novel Insights into Inflammatory BowelDisease
Han L1, Maciejewski M2, Brockel C3, Afzelius L2, Altman RB1,4,5. Inflamm Bowel Dis. 2018 Feb 15;24(3):471-481. doi: 10.1093/ibd/izx087.
Author information
1 Biomedical Informatics Training Program, Stanford University, Stanford, CA.
2 Inflammation & Immunology, Pfizer Inc., Cambridge, MA.
3 Hill's Pet Nutrition, Topeka KS.
4 Department of Genetics, Stanford University, Stanford, CA.
5 Department of Bioengineering, Stanford University, Stanford, CA.
Abstract
BACKGROUND: Monogenic diseases have been shown to contribute to complex disease risk and may hold new insights into the underlying biological mechanism of Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD).
METHODS: We analyzed Mendelian disease associations with IBD using over 55 million patients from the Optum's deidentified electronic health records dataset database. Using the significant Mendelian diseases, we performed pathway enrichment analysis and constructed a model using gene expression datasets to differentiate Crohn's disease (CD), ulcerative colitis (UC), and healthy patient samples.
RESULTS: We found 50 Mendelian diseases were significantly associated with IBD, with 40 being significantly associated with both CD and UC. Our results for CD replicated those from previous studies. Pathways that were enriched consisted of mainly immune and metabolic processes with a focus on tolerance and oxidative stress. Our 3-way classifier for UC, CD, and healthy samples yielded an accuracy of 72%.
CONCLUSIONS: Mendelian diseases that are significantly associated with IBD may reveal novel insights into the genetic architecture of IBD.


Abstract Habitat loss and fragmentation are the greatest threats to biodiversity worldwide. Fragmentation impacts landscape configuration, resulting in a larger number of patches that are smaller in size and further apart from one another. Island biogeography and metapopulation theory predict populations in these remnant patches should be smaller, have higher extinction rates, and be less likely to receive immigrants from other populations. However, empirical data frequently do not conform with these theoretical predictions, leading to assertions that this model is too simplistic to describe distributions and dynamics of fragmented populations. However, others believe that landscape configuration effects have been poorly tested and modeled to date. In this dissertation, I use breeding bird data collected in a fragmented forest landscape to explore this lack of congruence between theory and reality. I first test the hypothesis that heterogeneity in the detectability of mobile species due to temporary emigration from sample sites can produce biased estimates of metapopulation rates. Next, I test for idiosyncrasies in the effects of forest loss and fragmentation on species belonging to different ecological trait groups. Lastly, I examine whether fragmentation actually reduces the functional connectivity of landscapes for species identified as fragmentation-sensitive.
Dynamic occupancy models are popular for estimating metapopulation dynamic rates (colonization and extinction) from repeated presence/absence surveys of unmarked animals. This approach assumes closure among repeated samples within primary periods, allowing estimation of dynamic rates between these periods. However, the impact of temporary emigration (reversible changes in sampling availability) on dynamic rate estimates has not been tested. In Chapter 2, I use simulated data to investigate the degree to which temporary emigration could mislead researchers interested in quantifying metapopulation rates. I then compared results from three avian point count datasets to evaluate the likelihood that temporary emigration confounds estimates of dynamics for 19 species under a popular sampling protocol. Simulated experiments indicated that when secondary periods were open to temporary emigration, presence of dynamics was identified ≥ 95.1% of the time, and dynamic rate estimates were accurate. However, dynamic rates were biased when secondary periods were closed to temporary emigration. In empirical datasets, dynamic occupancy models had greater support than closed models for all species when secondary sampling periods occurred in immediate succession (i.e., 3 samples within 10 minutes); however, my results suggest that this is because these estimates were heavily influenced by temporary emigration. When counts within a primary period were separated by 24-48 hours, I found evidence of dynamics for less than half of these species. I recommend an alternative sampling approach that allows accurate estimation of dynamic rates when temporary emigration is of no interest, and introduce a novel model for estimating both processes simultaneously in rare cases where they are both of biological interest. Concern for violating the occupancy modeling closure assumption has led to widespread recommendations that samples within primary periods be conducted extremely close in time. However, these results indicate this is not the best approach when interest is in quantifying dynamic rates. While dynamic occupancy models provide estimates of ‘colonization’ and ‘extinction,’ these values do not inherently represent dynamics unless temporary emigration has been explicitly modeled or accounted for with sampling design. Naivete to this fact can result in incorrect conclusions about biological processes.
While theory predicts that fragmentation should negatively influence biodiversity, empirical support of this idea is weak in terrestrial systems. However, tests of fragmentation effects are typically confounded with landscape composition and potentially obscured by imperfect detection. In Chapter 3, I used multi-species occupancy models and a mensurative experimental design to test competing hypotheses about how forest fragmentation influences distributions of breeding forest bird species and communities. During the breeding seasons of 2011-2013, we recorded over 80,000 bird detections in 202 forest fragments using a sampling design that isolated the effects of patch size per se from the effects of forest amount (2 km), edge, local vegetation, and sample area. I modeled the effects of these covariates on distributions of individual species categorized by ecological trait groups (i.e., forest, forest interior, or forest edge). Though my results indicated little effect of patch size on total species richness, increasing patch size tended to have a positive effect on interior species, and a negative effect on edge species. The effects of total forest amount were much more variable, and actually had a negative influence on many species, particularly cavity nesters. My results do not support theoretical predictions that forest patch size should positively influence bird species richness. However, composition of bird communities does shift toward edge species from interior species with decreasing patch size. Maintaining large forest patches is thus critical for supporting forest interior species, which tend to be of greater conservation concern.
Maintenance of metapopulations requires movement of dispersers among resource patches. The degree to which a landscape facilitates or impedes such movements is defined as functional connectivity. Habitat fragmentation may reduce the functional connectivity of a landscape, but empirical linkages between distribution patterns and movement ability are lacking. In Chapter 4, I use experimental translocations to test whether forest fragmentation impedes movement of two species identified as fragmentation-sensitive in Chapter 3: Wood Thrush (Hylocichla mustelina) and Ovenbirds (Seiurus aurocapilla). I also tested for behavioral changes in translocated birds and evaluated whether fragmentation effects differed between behavioral modes. Over two breeding seasons, we translocated 35 Wood Thrush and 19 Ovenbirds (1-1.2 km) across landscapes spanning a fragmentation gradient and recorded their movement paths using VHF transmitters and receivers. Eighty-seven percent of individuals returned successfully, taking as long as 72.2 hours. Movement patterns of 96% of successful birds indicated two distinct behavioral modes: exploring, characterized by short, undirected movements and course reversals; and homing, characterized by large, fast steps towards their home territories. Forest composition and configuration had no effect on homing time or path straightness for either species. However, at a finer scale, I found that both preferred to take steps that minimized their exposure to non-forested gaps. My results demonstrate that movement limitation could drive or exacerbate fragmentation sensitivity for these birds. Further, while fragmentation effects did not differ between behavioral modes, my results highlight the need to link the dichotomous behaviors of translocated animals with natural movement processes. Despite this knowledge gap, results from our study suggest that maintaining contiguous habitat or corridors may improve functional connectivity for fragmentation-sensitive birds.


When prospective condominium buyers come to us for help, they all seem to have the same perplexing dilemma. They wonder why the monthly condominium charges vary so much from complex to complex within the same price range. How can such a buyer determine what is a fair amount and what isn’t?
Some fees include insurance and property taxes and others don’t. Some fee schedules are prepared by professionals and contain adequate reserves for maintenance, improvements and replacements. Unfortunately, other fee schedules are sometimes drafted by optimistic individuals who are more interested in selling unsold inventory than in managing accurately and efficiently.
If your purchase is handled by full-time residential agents, you will be gaining a larger degree of buyer protection. Be safe. When you look over the budget and the fee schedule, have a professional at your side to protect your interests.


Behavioral Challenges in Children with Special Needs Behavioral Challenges in Children with Special Needs – A Relationship-based Developmental Perspective Linda Cervenka, MA, CCC-SLP Starting Thursday, February 2, 2023 at 7:30 pm Eastern Time
Scheduled Dates: 2/2; 2/9; 2/16; 2/23; 3/2; 3/9; 3/16; 3/23
8 sessions | 1.5 hours per session | Weekly
Online via Zoom
Description
Dysregulation challenges in school, home and clinics can take a variety of forms from self-injury (SIB), aggression towards self or others, property destruction, and verbal fight/flight. This course will focus on conceptualizing challenges utilizing the child’s Functional Emotional Developmental Levels (FEDLs) and Developmental Language thinking. Utilizing these two models, the potential reasons for the child’s stress response and possible preventative and proactive strategies to consider will be discussed. The importance of adapting the environment, recognizing early signs of challenge, and understanding the child’s individual differences will be highlighted. Additionally, a significant focus will be placed on areas rarely connected to dysregulation – What is the child understanding? What is the child communicating? Developing a consistent plan of response, involving all stake holders in the process and working collaboratively across school, clinic and home will be highlighted. Components of the Mandt System utilized at Soaring Eagle Academy will be embedded, including prevention, de- escalation, and everyone feeling safe. Participants will be encouraged and invited to provide case examples.
Learning Objectives
Participants will understand the importance of relationship building with the child, teams, and parents and how to facilitate that relationship
Participants will broaden their understanding of the language components that need to be considered in supporting regulation – language comprehension, early precursors, and supporting ideas.
Participants will expand their ability understand how the child’s Individual Differences (the “I” in DIR) impact stress responses
Participants will broaden their understanding of possible precursors to dysregulation and the importance of identifying challenges early.
Participant will broaden their understanding of meeting the child at the “just right” level in their developmental process during challenges.
Who should attend?
Teachers, therapists at all levels of DIR® practice across disciplines and parents/caregivers.
Linda Cervenka, MA, CCC-SLP,is a co-founder and DIR® expert clinician at Soaring Eagle Academy, a Director on the SEA Board and a licensed speech-language pathologist. Linda received her Bachelor’s Degree from Elmhurst College in Elmhurst, IL and her Master’s Degree in Communicative Disorders from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign. She has worked for over 30 years with children with special needs in home-based and clinic-based therapeutic services and public and private schools providing consultation, training and support for children and families. Linda is a developmental speech language pathologist and is certified in DIR® as a speech-language pathologist and trainer/tutor through Profectum. She a Senior Faculty member of Profectum and teaches courses to those in the certification process. Linda is married and resides in Riverside, IL with her husband Tom. They are the parents of two adult children.


The Cross County MetroLink Extension Project, opened in 2006, was a 8 mile, 9 station extension to the existing alignment, expanding service towards the Clayton, Maplewood and Shrewsbury neighborhoods. Included in the alignment were 3 cut-and-cover tunnels (Tunnel #1, Tunnel #2, and Tunnel #3) and 2 below grade stations (Skinker Station and Big Bend Station). The tunnels and stations were constructed with castin-place base slabs and tunnel walls, and pre-cast concrete roof segments; concrete floor and wall segments were cast-in-place a bentonite-type waterproofing material was installed. Pre-cast arch tops were installed and waterproofed using a separate bentonite waterproofing membrane followed by 5 to 20 feet (1.5 to 6 meters) of granular backfill material. Tunnel #2, Tunnel #3, Skinker Station, and Big Bend Station began showing signs of water infiltration immediately following the completion of construction.
This water leakage has contributed to early concrete deterioration, as well as other serviceability issues. Gall Zeidler Consultants (GZ) initially performed a leakage assessment, analyzing possible causes of tunnel leakage into these structures. The Bi-State Development Agency (METRO) then tasked GZ with performing detailed leakage inspections of the structures affected by the leaks. These inspections determined both the location and severity of any water infiltration in the both tunnels and stations. Included in these inspections were digital tunnel scans.
Following the completion of the inspections, GZ has been tasked with performing a leakage remediation design. This design includes installing drainage pipes into the walls of the tunnels, and conveying water gathered in these pipes to existing tunnel drainage. Areas displaying leakage which are not treated with the drainage pipes will be addressed using crystalline waterproofing material and hydrophilic injection grout. The methodology of this design will halt the water intrusion without significantly changing the leakage regime.
St. Louis, Missouri
2010 – Present
2 Cut and Cover LRT Tunnels, 2 Cut and Cover Stations
Approximately 1.10 miles (1.8 kilometers) total
Height: 21.2 feet (6.5 meters)
Width: 35 feet (10.7 meters)
Fill, loess and glacial deposits; Cheltenham Syncline
Rehabilitation cost: Approximately $30 million
Bi-State Development Agency
Bi-State Development Agency


Threats to businesses come in all shapes and sizes and can be very costly for companies if not adequately protected. Here are some of the most common threats to businesses, along with statistics to back them up:
Cybercrime:
According to a recent study by the Ponemon Institute, cybercrime costs businesses an average of $7.5 million annually. This figure includes the cost of damages, lost revenue, and forensic and legal expenses.
Data breaches:
A breach can be very costly for a business in terms of the damage it causes and the fines that may get levied. For example, the Ponemon Institute found that the average cost of a data breach is $3.8 million.
Employee theft:
Employees can significantly threaten businesses by stealing money or confidential information. An Association of Certified Fraud Examiners study found that employee theft accounts for nearly half of all business fraud.
Product counterfeiting:
Product counterfeiting can damage businesses, hurting their reputation and leading to lost revenue. A report by the International Chamber of Commerce found that product counterfeiting costs global companies more than $600 billion yearly.
Those are only a few of the many threats businesses face. To protect your business adequately, you must have a comprehensive security plan covering these threats. It means protecting the company from all angles, including these areas.
Cybersecurity
Cybersecurity is one of the most important aspects of protecting a business. With so many threats coming from the digital world, it is essential to have strong defenses. This includes having firewalls, antivirus software, and intrusion detection systems. It is also necessary to keep your employees educated on cybersecurity best practices.
Another essential part of cybersecurity is data security. This involves protecting your data from being accessed or stolen by unauthorized individuals. This includes using strong passwords, encrypting your data, and monitoring your network for intrusions.
Your data and digital operations will be safe if you have comprehensive cybersecurity measures.
Physical Security
Physical security is also essential for businesses. This involves protecting your premises from theft, vandalism, and other crimes. You can install security cameras, alarms, and gates to do this. It would be best if you also had a security plan to deal with emergencies.
It is also essential to protect your employees from physical threats. This includes providing them with training on how to deal with aggressive customers or intruders. It is also a good idea to have policies in place for dealing with violence in the workplace.
However, employee theft will also be a threat that could affect your business. To combat this, you should conduct background checks on all new employees. It would be best if you also had security measures to prevent them from stealing company property.
Product Security
It is also essential to protect your products from being counterfeit or stolen. This includes using tamper-proof packaging and keeping track of your inventory. Consider using product registration or serialization to help identify counterfeit products.
Another way to protect your products is to trademark them. This will give you legal protection against others who try to sell fake versions of your products.
Legal Coverage
It is also essential to have legal coverage in place to protect your business. This includes having insurance that covers you in case of lawsuits or other legal action. Having an attorney on retainer is also a good idea to help you with legal issues.
Intellectual property (IP) is another area where legal protection is essential. This includes patents, copyrights, and trademarks. If you have an IP, you must ensure it is adequately protected to prevent others from using it without your permission.
However, you might need more time or resources to handle your business’ legal threats. In this case, hiring a law firm specializing in business law is a good idea. This will ensure you have the best possible legal protection for your company.
IT Support
IT support is another critical aspect of protecting your business. This includes having someone available to help you with technical issues. It is also essential to have someone on call in case of emergencies.
It would be best if you also had a backup plan for your data and operations. This includes having a backup server or cloud storage. Having a disaster recovery plan in place is also a good idea. Proximitum is a company that provides IT support and disaster recovery services. If you need help with your IT, they can provide you with the assistance you need.
Final Thoughts
Business protection is essential in today’s world. You must have strong defenses against cyber threats and physical threats. It is also necessary to protect your data and products. Finally, you should have legal coverage to protect your business from lawsuits or other legal action.


How Do Avalanches Occur? Avalanches occur when masses of snow, often with ice and debris, slide down mountain sides. They are triggered by overloading, snow pack conditions, slope angle, vibration and temperature. They gain speed and power as they draw nearer to the bottom of the slope.
Overloading is a major factor in the occurrence of an avalanche. When the weight of snow increases, it soon overcomes cohesion to the snow pack below. Additionally, bonds weaken when temperatures increase, while the tension and brittleness of a slab increases when temperatures fall. Another significant trigger is slope angle. Many avalanches typically occur on slope angles between 35 and 40 degrees. Vibration is caused by shouting, explosion, gun shot, thunder and other loud noises. Earthquakes and noise produced by heavy machinery are also capable of starting avalanches.
Avalanches generally occur in mountainous regions throughout temperate and arctic locations. There are three primary types of avalanches. Powder avalanches start from a single point and gathers snow as it slides down the snow, creating a snowball effect. It typically happens after heavy snowfall on a smooth surface. Slab avalanches are the most common type to occur during winter due to fresh snow buildup. A slab detaches from a layer of weaker snow below a compact snow layer and moves forward as a whole block or sometimes breaks into pieces. Wet avalanches frequently occur during the spring thaw or after a warm spell.


Ahead of the Game
A proactive security plan is about anticipation. Being in tuned with your business environment is critical to reading the signs and reacting accordingly. In security, anticipating possible threats is a crucial part of a security plan. This requires observation and investigation before a potential incident.
The Edge
Knowing your assignment means the most efficient and effective service is being provided. We do our homework. Each guard is trained for their specific assignment allowing us to hit the ground running.
Behind the Eight Ball
Reactive implies that you don’t have initiative. Events set the agenda not people. There should be no surprises. Being prepared is being ahead of the game. A reactive approach often means you do not have all the information. A solid proactive security plan means your guards are informed.
Nothing Passive
Investigation should never become the staple of your security program. Issues should be preemptively avoided by knowing the assignment and anticipating risk.